Parks & Recreation 2020 Aquatics Guide

AQ U AT I C S G U I D E 2 02 0 W W W. N R PA . O R G

2020 AQUATICS GUIDE

Splash Pad Safety Surfacing | Inclusivity in Aquatics | Keys to Success

The graph illustrates the before and after effect of Breathe EZ™ on trichloramine concentration. On January 31 at 7 a.m., the levels of trichloramine concentration were as high as the prior days. After the addition of the Breathe EZ™ treatment, by 11 a.m. the same day, the trichloramine concentration was virtually eliminated. Within hours of adding Breathe EZ™, the trichloramine concentration measured in single digit parts per billion (ppb) levels.

The cost attributed to trichloramine and other DBPs is often overlooked but is very real. Corrosion of equipment can cost tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars in replacement costs. The energy cost resulting from excessive air exchange in an effort to dilute the toxic environment can cost hundreds of dollars per day.

truox.com

630.241.4687

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Truox®

A

t Truox®, our mission is to remediate all forms of Recreational Water Illness (RWI), as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Truox® was founded in 2003 and specializes in the research, development and commercialization of Advanced Oxidizer Technologies.

With more than 40 patents, including Microreactors and In-Situ generated Free Radicals, Truox® technologies and resulting products are used in a broad range of applications and industries.

Roy Martin received his Bachelor of Science degree in chemical engineering from the University of Illinois in 1986. With more than 30 years of hands-on-field and R&D experience — ranging from recreational water treatment, industrial water, process side, and oil and gas recovery — Roy has acquired more than 50 U.S. patents and is president and co-founder of Truox®, Inc. RWI Reduction Technology™ is the newest generation of patented technologies developed specifically for mitigating the underlying causes of RWI.

Breathe EZ™ was researched and developed specifically to remediate existing Chlorinated Disinfection Byproducts (e.g., THMs, chloramines), as well as inhibit their formation while the swimming pool is in use.

Visit us at truox.com to learn how Truox® can help you remediate your

indoor aquatic facility to the pristine environment you desire and deserve.

truox.com 630.241.4687

W W W. PA R K S A N D R E C R E AT I O N . O R G | A Q U AT I C S G U I D E 2 02 0 |

Parks & Recreation

1

Contents FEATURES

COMPANY PROFILES

4 Applying Inclusivity to Aquatic Policies and Practices

1 Truox®

6 Keys to Success for Aquatic Professionals

3 Aquatix

10 Looking Back Through History: Splash Pad Safety Surfacing

5 Lincoln Aquatics

14 NRPA’s New Online Certificate Programs

9 Water Odyssey

2 Rocky Mountain Sunscreen

7 WMS Aquatics 15 Aquatic Design Group 16 Spectrum Aquatics 17 AquaWorx

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

BULK SUNSCREEN Feel the Difference!

Our bulk Quarts and Gallons are perfect for keeping your staff sun-safe this season.

1000

NEW!

applications

reef-friendly

250

applications

Order Online at: rmsunscreen.com Toll Free: 1-888-356-8899 2

Parks & Recreation

Rocky Mountain Sunscreen

R

ocky Mountain Sunscreen offers cost-effective quarts and gallons of Broad-Spectrum sun protection: an easy solution to an essential aspect of pool safety. Feel the difference with our non-greasy, 80-minute water-resistant formula!

Trusted since 1992, Rocky Mountain Sunscreen is gluten free, hypoallergenic, fragrance free and PABA Free. One gallon has approximately 1,000 applications, making it costeffective and perfect to keep poolside to protect your staff.

Lifeguards, pool patrons and campers alike will appreciate the non-greasy protection.

Rocky Mountain Sunscreen is introducing a new brand called Coral Isles. Both brands have no Oxybenzone and no Octinoxate, so they are both reef friendly. Coral Isles is the same formula you love, packaged so that users feel confident that their choice will not contribute to reef bleaching.

rmsunscreen.com 888.356.8899 303.940.9803

| A Q U AT I C S G U I D E 2 02 0 | W W W. PA R K S A N D R E C R E AT I O N . O R G

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Aquatix

S

un and water go together like kids and play, creating the perfect spot where friends can gather, cool off and experience the wonders of playing in water.

Aquatix by Landscape Structures leads the way. Pioneering experiential activities around the interactive properties of water, we invite kids and family members of all ages and abilities to immerse themselves in the brilliance of an Aquatix water experience.

With more than 30 years of experience, Aquatix, based in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, is a leader in water feature and spray park design, fabrication and construction.

The company designs and manufactures products and systems for easy maintenance and long-lasting value. But it’s innovative concepts and groundbreaking design that truly set Aquatix apart. Our dynamic aqua play products engage kids’ imaginations, encourage exploration and deliver surprising new experiences with water.

Aquatix continues to advance the world of dynamic aqua play with imaginative designs — achieving new levels of chilling thrills, challenging interactive games and inventive water-based activities. The Nautilus1 and Nautilus2 Slides bring sliding fun to splash pads and pools. Users of all ages and abilities can climb the non-slip stairs to the top of these freestanding slides and race down. Additional spray nozzles

make it even more of a splashing and sliding good time.

The HydraHub1 and HydraHub2 inspire active play among children of all ages. A combination of dynamic play, interactive play and ground sprays delivers fluid fun that’s full of surprises.

Learn more about these new aqua play products by visiting aquatix.playlsi.com.

aquatix.playlsi.com 877.632.0503

Oh, the endless days!

Gathered together Reveling in the joy of play.

Where watery wonders excite us Unite us And invite us to set our imaginations free.

©2019 Landscape Structures Inc. All rights reserved.

To learn more and inspire your outdoors, visit aquatix.playlsi.com.

W W W. PA R K S A N D R E C R E AT I O N . O R G | A Q U AT I C S G U I D E 2 02 0 |

Parks & Recreation

3

Applying Inclusivity to Aquatic Policies and Practices

By Kate Connell, CPRP, AFO

A

s aquatic facility operators, there is no argument that the way we plan for, build and manage aquatic facilities has a direct impact on accessibility. Inclusive aquatics, on the other hand, occurs beyond multimillion-dollar capital improvement projects and adherence to accessibility laws and codes. Inclusivity objectives are met minute by minute as we execute our decision-making skills as pool operators and aquatic programmers. They are measured by not only what we do and decide, but also what we don’t prioritize.

The three Ps of inclusive aquatics include: policies, programming and personnel.

Policies Most policies and procedures are implemented in an aquatics environment with safety in mind. But, it’s important to study your policies with an inclusivity-focused lens. If your swim test requires competence in treading and stroke refinement, do you have solutions? These could include offering swim scholarships, lessons during school or camp programming hours, transportation opportunities, parent education or discounts for lowincome residents, since cost often is a barrier that keeps many youths from learn-to-swim programs. If everyone is required to shower before entering your bodies of water, do you provide safe and welcoming spaces for non-binary individuals? Do you offer alternatives to assisted chang-

4

Parks & Recreation

ing rooms for adults with disabilities if your facility doesn’t have singlestall showers?

Use these potential barriers as a scorecard against each of your existing and potential policies to truly measure their exclusivity: • Cost • Language • Proximity • Process • Education level • Physical • Experience level requirements Programming Aquatic programming can extend far beyond swim lessons and water fitness classes. Often, we first need to look at what we do most and how we can reach more individuals. With a focus on inclusion, aquatic facility operators can look for opportunities to remove barriers from existing programming and to conceive new ways to actively invite community members into aquatic recreation instead of passively waiting for them to join in: • Remove barriers from new and existing programming (see above list).

• Reconsider gender and holiday conforming programming.

• Visually represent diversity and alternative languages in marketing imagery and text.

• Create a list of community partners and address their needs.

• Program in free and walkable spaces, like splash pads and wading pools.

• Focus on basic recreation opportunities.

• Create cross-sectional programs

| A Q U AT I C S G U I D E 2 02 0 | W W W. PA R K S A N D R E C R E AT I O N . O R G

with other departments.

• Find a team of true fans who will share your mission.

• Consider accessibility and impact during various times and days of offerings.

Personnel As recreation professionals, it’s important to be aware of our own inherent biases, to be responsible to our aquatic facilities and communities, and to work on developing our personal and organization missions toward inclusivity. As operators, many of us manage a diverse staff and have a responsibility to ensure that these staff members are trained on how our personal privileges can impact our interactions with others. Work with your team to teach them the significance of: • Protected classes and their rights • Word use and choice • Implicit biases • Microaggressions Above all, consciously build and recruit a staff that looks, acts and has experiences that are representative of the community where they work. And, give your employees tangible tools that relate what they do to an inclusive mission.

As park and rec professionals, our commitment to inclusive aquatic spaces can make a profound impact in our communities for generations to come.

Kate Connell, CPRP, AFO, is Aquatics Program Supervisor at Iowa City Parks and Recreation Department (katherine-connell@ iowa-city.org).

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Lincoln Aquatics

F

or 65 years, Lincoln Aquatics has been serving commercial pool operators like you!

Our reputation has been built by our knowledgeable staff, by providing customers with prompt personal service, and by carrying the highest quality products available. In addition, it remains our goal to offer those products at the best prices anywhere, delivering you the best value available.

We offer new and improved product selections and better access for faster delivery. No one beats our nationwide distribution capabilities, extensive facilities, fleet of trucks and, most importantly, our knowledgeable people who understand what you want and need. We don’t

just sell the products you purchase from us, we service them too.

Online, Anytime! Order via phone, fax or online — your order is processed, shipped and delivered securely and quickly.

We make it easy to get the answers you need and to request and receive quotes online. Don’t forget, you can review your account history for orders, invoices, quotes and much more online, too. We’re here when you want us!

Our catalog contains the most comprehensive selection of highquality swimming pool equipment and aquatic supplies available in

the industry today.

We have an organized, easy-to-use format that helps you quickly locate the products you want. The Lincoln Aquatics name is recognized around the world for providing customers with quality products and superior service at competitive prices.

Choose Lincoln Aquatics; The company you know! We look forward to serving YOU!

www.lincolnaquatics.com 800.223.5450

LOOKING OUT for Your Pool

Available through our nationwide shipping locations, Lincoln Aquatics has improved product selections and can now provide you better access to our extensive inventory.

As a long-time supporter of the aquatics community, we look forward to continuing as your supplier of choice for your commercial pool supply needs offering expert advice and prompt, knowledgeable, friendly service.

Visit our website or call us for a copy of our latest catalog. www.lincolnaquatics.com | 800.223.5450

W W W. PA R K S A N D R E C R E AT I O N . O R G | A Q U AT I C S G U I D E 2 02 0 |

Parks & Recreation

5

Keys to Success for Aquatic Professionals

By George Deines

T

he outdoor aquatics season is almost upon us, and I can hear the collective stress levels of aquatic professionals starting to rise! Numerous stressors exist for aquatic professionals, but none more stressful than the prospect of having an unconscious aquatic incident occur at their facility.

As part of my role within the aquatics industry, I have served as chair of the World Waterpark Association’s Safety Committee, president of the North Texas Aquatics Association, and, most recently, as an expert witness in several litigation cases that involved a fatal drowning at a lifeguarded aquatic facility. Through these various roles, I’ve found four primary areas that aquatic facility operators should focus on to minimize the risk of a catastrophic incident at their facility.

Reducing the Risks Whether your team is lifeguarding swimming lessons, two adult lap swimmers in the morning or a wave pool at a municipal waterpark with more than 800 people in it, they must always remember that at any moment something can happen. Just because the day is slow, it doesn’t mean that a child can’t choke at the table while taking a break, or parents won’t be vigilant with their child 100 percent of the time. While it seems like common sense, ingraining this philosophy in your team is critical to keeping everyone safe at your facility this summer.

Aquatic operators must ensure they train and follow the standard of care for aquatic facilities. How do most aquatic facilities train their team members?

6

Parks & Recreation

What type of safety-related equipment do they use in an emergency? Have they performed lifeguard response-time tests to ensure lifeguards can properly implement the 10/20 standard of protection from each stand at their facility?

These are just a few examples of standard of care protocols that operators need to be aware of, all of which help mitigate risk at their facility.

Maintaining consistency in operations is another key component to providing a safe aquatic facility for your guests this summer. The primary question to ask yourself is: “Do you always have the same number of lifeguards on your pool, regardless of the number of guests in the water?” One of the primary areas that will stand out after a fatal or non-fatal drowning will be the number of lifeguards on duty at the time of the incident. If your facility had less lifeguards on duty during the incident than the day before, or an earlier time that day, that will raise a red flag. Aquatic operators should keep in mind that the number of lifeguards on duty should be based on the ability to adequately maintain the 10/20

| A Q U AT I C S G U I D E 2 02 0 | W W W. PA R K S A N D R E C R E AT I O N . O R G

standard of protection, not necessarily the number of people in the water at a given time.

Lastly, if you see something, say something. For example, while swimming at a municipal pool a few weeks back, I noticed the lifeguard dozing off on the stand with no supervisor in sight.

I decided to say something via email to the aquatics supervisor as an “FYI.” Aquatics industry professionals should be willing to speak up when they see something that poses an immediate, life-threatening risk to pool users.

As you approach the summer season and start developing your pre-season trainings and orientations, take time to stress to your team that every day, something could happen at your facility. Research and implement aquatics industry standards of care, maintain consistency in your operations and if you see something, say something! If you follow these steps, then you’ll be well on your way to a successful and safe 2020.

George Deines is Project Manager at Counsilman-Hunsaker (georgedeines@ chh2o.com).

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

WMS Aquatics

W

MS Aquatics is a family-owned and operated National Aquatic Supply Specialist and Aquatic Construction Company.

Our roots began in the living room of William M. Smith in 1972, and today our exceptional team of employees carry on his tradition of quality and care by providing top industry knowledge and superior service, creating long-lasting relationships with all of our customers.

WMS offers a large variety of aquatic supplies for commercial, public and private recreational swimming and waterpark facilities. Our team builds, designs and consults on new

pool and spa construction, rehabilitation projects, and mechanical room installations. In partnership with fellow specialists, we use stateof-the-art technology to reduce construction time, increase facility efficiency and provide long-lasting results. We are proud to announce that WMS Aquatics’ commitment to growth and community is the inspiration behind the launch of our dedicated Service Division, fulfilling the aquatic needs of Washington and Oregon.

wmsaquatics.com 800.426.9460

National Supply Specialists Custom Pools & Spas Splash Pads Diving Boards & Resurfacing Pool Vacuums ADA Accessibility

Pool Chemicals Lifeguard Supplies Heaters & Pumps Starting Platforms Racing Lanes

VGB Compliance Aquatic Fitness Gear Competitive Swimming Safety & Rescue

Convenient Service and Installation available for Washington and Oregon 800.426.9460 | wmsaquatics.com | sales@wmsaquatics.com “To uphold a thriving environment for our partners while serving and shaping the future of the Aquatic Industry”

W W W. PA R K S A N D R E C R E AT I O N . O R G | A Q U AT I C S G U I D E 2 02 0 |

Parks & Recreation

7

WATER YOU WAITING FOR? The Online Splash Pad Certificate program teaches you how to plan, design, operate and maintain a splash pad facility.

nrpa.org/SplashPad

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Water Odyssey

W

ater Odyssey™ by Fountain People, designs and manufactures high-quality interactive water features with superior design support to help the park and recreation industry budget, plan and fulfill its water play-area plans. Our design team collaborates with architects, landscape architects, aquatic consultants, artists and end users around the world to develop innovative aquatic play environments and equipment. Water Odyssey specializes in creating unique, project-specific products to bring the customer’s vision to reality.

Water Odyssey provides a wide range of aquatic play solutions for toddler to teen, including ground sprays, interactive features that spin and spray, dumping buckets, themed

slides, slide structures, controls and filtration systems. Our website provides a gallery (https://waterodyssey.com/ project-galleries/) of products that includes everything from architecturally inspired structures to highly themed spray features and installed projects, as well as pre-planned, proven spray park designs to quickly make your water play area a reality. From 3D renderings, animations, budget analysis and bid documentation, to piping and electrical drawings, Water Odyssey creates compelling aquatic play experiences with ongoing customer support for the life of the project. Inquire about our cooperative purchasing options.

With more than 25 years of proven performance, Fountain People is a world leader in the manufacturing

of modular pumping and water-treatment systems, designed specifically for water features and aquatic play. Water Odyssey products are installed in commercial and municipal facilities all over the world. All Water Odyssey products are made in the USA and fabricated at our facilities in San Marcos, Texas.

Get Inspired. Get Support. Work with Water Odyssey. www.water odyssey.com 512.392.1155

Photo courtesy of Dunaway Associates

Creating fun ways to spray & play!

From contemporary designs to fun themes, we work with you to develop innovative aquatic play equipment and environments.

CONTACT US FOR YOUR NEXT AQUATIC PLAY EXPERIENCE. 512.392.1155 | www.waterodyssey.com

W W W. PA R K S A N D R E C R E AT I O N . O R G | A Q U AT I C S G U I D E 2 02 0 |

Parks & Recreation

9

PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF GARRETT REID

Looking Back Through History: Splash Pad Safety Surfacing

By Gwen Ruehle

O

n October 17, 1903, the first permanent municipal-built playground, Seward Park, was opened to a crowd of 20,000 children (nycgovparks.org/parks/ seward-park/history). By 1907, there were 90 municipalities with play-

10

Parks & Recreation

grounds. In just three years, that number grew to 531 (pgpedia.com/p/play ground-association-america).

As the rapid growth of playgrounds emerged, so too did the injury reports, emergency room visits and critical head injuries. Parents and experts across the United States recognized

| A Q U AT I C S G U I D E 2 02 0 | W W W. PA R K S A N D R E C R E AT I O N . O R G

the growing injury trend and worked to eliminate the largest and most prevalent hazards. In 1981, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission published the Public Playground Safety Handbook (cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/325. pdf) and parks were retrofitted to eliminate hard surfaces and high falls.

Splash Pads = Playgrounds + Water Splash pads, like playgrounds, also have had a monumental and rapid adoption across the world. Splash pads were developed in response to providing kids with a play area to cool off without the drowning risk of pools or the sanitation problems associated with public fountains. In the rush to meet the demand, the role of implementing safety measures has been left to each individual splash pad operator, with mixed and inconsistent results. Every year, splash pads all across North America have closed to replace or retrofit their surfacing due to complaints, injuries and maintenance issues.

Splash pad operators especially have struggled with surfacing options due to the playful and interactive nature of splash pads.

Kids interact with each other by jumping and running from spray feature to spray feature without the protection of clothing or shoes.

The combination of bare feet and concrete has left users with burned feet, bumps, bruises, broken bones and head injuries.

To try to solve these issues, splash pad operators have been using playground safety surfaces, like pour-inplace rubber. These surfaces, while great for dry applications, were simply not developed to interact with treated water. When the adhesive inevitably breaks down, particles clog filtration systems, patchy floors create tripping hazards and microbes grow inside trapped water.

For a lack of a functional surfacing system, many cities have resorted to hiring splash pad attendants to remind kids not to run. Unfortunately, these individual stopgaps have not solved the worldwide problem facing splash pad operators. Accord

ing to the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System database, in 2014 alone, there were an estimated 20,000 injuries on pool decks, splash pads and water parks that resulted in an emergency room visit.

What Is NSF/ANSI 50?

The National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) International is a third-party certification group that works with industry professionals and stakeholders to provide public health and safety-based risk management solutions. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) is a private, nonprofit organization that administers and coordinates the U.S. voluntary standards and conformity assessment system. NSF/ ANSI 50 is a set of standards that establishes minimum performance requirements for equipment, products and systems related to recreational water facility operation. These standards cover much of the equipment that goes in and around recreational water areas (i.e., splash pads, pool decks), including water sanitation, filtering, pumps and surfacing.

In 2019, after four years of research, testing and careful deliberation, NSF/ANSI 50 has introduced a new standard for splash pad surfaces. This new standard emphasizes slip resistance, impact attenuation and durability to perform in the aquatic environment. The standard was created with the knowledge that playgrounds and splash pads are used in remarkably similar ways.

Specifically, the success of playground design standards provides an important template for the future of splash pad safety.

To be certified to NSF/ANSI 50 (Interactive Water Play Venue Surfacing Systems), a surface must meet six performance-based requirements: • Slip Resistance – Certified splash pad surfaces must be slip resistant to minimize slip-and-fall injuries, while providing traction without being abrasive. A certified surface needs to be independently tested via the British pendulum method, an accurate test for simulating real-world conditions. Testing is conducted with three sets of materials: a controlled sample as well

W W W. PA R K S A N D R E C R E AT I O N . O R G | A Q U AT I C S G U I D E 2 02 0 |

Parks & Recreation

11

as samples exposed to ultraviolet light and chemically treated pool water.

• Impact Absorption – Certified splash pad surfaces must be cushioned to absorb the falls that inevitably occur. Just as playground safety surfaces must adhere to specific criteria, a certified splash pad surface must achieve a Head Injury Criterion (HIC) value of 12

Parks & Recreation

750, with a 0.20 meter minimum fall height. Keeping the HIC value below 1,000 is key. At a HIC of 1,000, there is an 18 percent probability of a severe head injury, a 55 percent probability of a serious injury and a 90 percent probability of a moderate head injury to the average adult.

• Chemical Resistance – Crucial in the aquatic environment, where

| A Q U AT I C S G U I D E 2 02 0 | W W W. PA R K S A N D R E C R E AT I O N . O R G

chlorine and other chemicals are used to maintain safe water, certified splash pad surfaces must maintain their traction and impact attenuation even after exposure to harsh chemicals. To determine this, a surface is independently tested by exposing samples to specifically treated water for 100 days, including three elevated chlorine “shock” periods lasting at least 24 hours each.

• Ultraviolet Light Resistance – As splash pad surfaces are exposed to sun, they must be resistant to ultraviolet radiation. A surface must maintain its traction and impact attenuation after exposure to 750 hours of intense ultraviolet light.

Any erosion is not acceptable if it compromises the surface’s traction and impact attenuation. Safety messaging also must retain visual clarity.

• Cleanability – Certified splash pad surfaces must respond well to cleaning and sanitization. To test this, a dirty slurry with two major bacterial groups found in aquatic environments is applied to the surface and any surface joints. These organisms are then allowed to incubate, with one set of samples kept as a control. The organisms are first counted before placing the samples in a bleach solution. The organisms are counted again after removal from the solution.

• Impermeability – Certified splash pad surfaces must not absorb water. According to the standard, a certified surface must be at least as impermeable as concrete, which is rated as 98.3 percent impervious.

A series of rigorous, independent third-party tests must be conducted for a product to pass certification.

Only once a surface has passed testing to meet all six performance

standards — slip resistance, impact absorption, chemical resistance, ultraviolet light resistance, cleanability and impermeability — can the surface earn NSF/ANSI 50 certification.

NSF/ANSI 50 Surfacing Standard for Interactive Water Venues The new standard within NSF/ ANSI 50 outlines the performance testing characteristics of a safety surface around “interactive water venues” (which is a term that includes splash pads and areas like splash pads) — specifically, the amount of slip resistance, chemical resistance, impact cushioning, ultraviolet light resistance, cleanability and impermeability a surface needs in order to be certified to the standard.

How Does This Affect Aquatic Operators?

Currently, 37 states reference NSF/ ANSI 50 and an additional four states have counties that reference NSF/ANSI 50. Different state pool codes reference the NSF/ANSI 50 standards. Additionally, the Model Aquatic Health Code, as set out by the CDC, has adopted NSF/ANSI 50 standards. In this case, the Model Aquatic Health Code outlines what specifically is mandatory for facilities to adhere to (the code) and the NSF/ANSI 50 standard provides guidelines on how to comply with the code.

Operational Excellence and Risk Mitigation It is always in a facility’s best interest to adhere to NSF standards in terms

WaterLink

of both operational excellence and risk mitigation. Meeting NSF standards for sanitation, health and safety provides facilities additional protection from potential lawsuits. The NSF/ANSI 50 standard reduces the chance of injuries. However, should an injury occur, aquatic operators can point out that they were operating under the best and safest practices in the industry. On a product level, using NSF/ANSI 50 certified products takes the guesswork out of finding safe, high-performing products and services for aquatic operators. Independent testing ensures that a product with NSF certification can be trusted to serve public health.

Gwen Ruehle is Vice President of Marketing at Life Floor (gwen.ruehle@ lifefloor.com)

Sp nTouch

®

The Future of Water Testing Ready To Go Anywhere, designed for...

 Pool Operators  Service Technicians

Centrifugal Fluidics Photometry

Water Testing Leader Since 1919!

TM

www.waterlinkspintouch.com

W W W. PA R K S A N D R E C R E AT I O N . O R G | A Q U AT I C S G U I D E 2 02 0 |

Parks & Recreation

13

NRPA’s New Online Certificate Programs

M

14

ake a splash in 2020 with the NRPA certificate programs! NRPA offers a Splash Pad Certificate and, our latest release, the Aquatic Management Pro-

fessional Certificate. Each program is designed to enhance park and recreation professionals’ abilities to make strong, skilled decisions that best serve their stakeholders. Course content also

provides invaluable risk management tools and maintenance techniques. Enroll in an NRPA certificate program today to support your development and strategic goals in the coming year.

The NRPA Splash Pad Certificate Program The NRPA Splash Pad Certificate Program (nrpa.org/SplashPad) is designed to provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to create and implement a water-play recreation area for your agency and community. By completing this online certificate program, you

will gain the expertise necessary to plan, design, operate and maintain a splash pad facility.

The program includes four online courses, each focused on key areas of the implementation and operation of splash pad facilities.

To receive your Splash Pad Certificate and 1.2 CEUs, you must complete each of the four courses: Planning, Design, Operations and Maintenance. Each course is avail-

able individually, but you must be currently AFO (nrpa.org/AFO) or CPO (nspf.org/cpo-certification) certified to enroll in the Operations and Maintenance courses.

This program is ideal for pool operators, maintenance staff, pool managers, park and recreation directors, health code inspectors, building inspectors or anyone responsible for maintaining waterplay recreation areas.

The NRPA Aquatic Management Professional Certificate The NRPA Aquatic Management Professional Certificate (nrpa.org/ AMPCertificate) provides you with the knowledge and skills for

effective aquatic facility management. This online certificate program will strengthen your management skills and will increase your understanding of aquatic facility operations.

The program is designed for new and developing aquatic profes-

sionals in departmental leadership positions who are interested in expanding their aquatic facility management knowledge. It includes six online courses on key concepts in operating and managing an aquatic facility, including budget and finance, marketing, maintenance, risk management, programming and event planning, and human resource management.

To receive your Aquatic Management Professional Certificate and 1.2 CEUs, you must complete each of the six courses. You may purchase the full certificate package or each course individually.

Each course/full certificate CEU can be applied to Group B of an AFO renewal.

Parks & Recreation

| A Q U AT I C S G U I D E 2 02 0 | W W W. PA R K S A N D R E C R E AT I O N . O R G

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Aquatic Design Group

BECOME AN AQUATIC MANAGEMENT PRO

F

or more than 35 years, Aquatic Design Group has set the standard for quality design and consulting services within the aquatics industry. Our goal is to provide this service with dedication and commitment to the highest possible level of customer satisfaction, delivered in a professional manner by a team of talented individuals who love what they do. Let us help bring your vision to reality.

aquaticdesigngroup.com 800.938.0542

NRPA’s Online Aquatic Management Professional Certificate will strengthen your management and facility operations skills.

Register at nrpa.org/AMPCertificate

aquaticdesigngroup.com \ 800.938.0542 SAN DIEGO \ WASHINGTON, D.C.

W W W. PA R K S A N D R E C R E AT I O N . O R G | A Q U AT I C S G U I D E 2 02 0 |

Parks & Recreation

15

Find an AFO Course Near You The Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) program provides the most comprehensive and up-to-date training for pool operators and includes information on water chemistry, disinfection, mechanical systems, operations, healthy pools and safety. To get certified, find a course in your area and sign up today! To learn more about becoming an AFO and to see the full list of course dates, visit nrpa.org/AFO. MARCH

APRIL

3-4 Milpitas, California

1-2 Manitou Springs, Colorado

5-6 Neenah, Wisconsin

2-3 Vallejo, California

FEBRUARY

5-6 Fort Myers, Florida

7-8 Steamboat Springs, Colorado

11-12 Derby, Kansas

15-16 Lawrence, Kansas

17-18 Corpus Christi, Texas

12-13 Canton, Michigan

21-22 Jefferson, Wisconsin

20-21 Clearwater, Florida

12-13 North Miami, Florida

27-28 Denver, Colorado

24-25 Orange, California

18-19 Alexandria, Virginia

25-26 Provo, Utah

24-25 Phoenix, Arizona

27-28 North Kansas City, Missouri

27-28 Orlando, Florida

30-31 Sacramento, California

30-May 1 Ceres, California

4-5 Gulf Shores, Alabama

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Spectrum Aquatics

S

pectrum Aquatics designs and manufactures high-quality custom rails, ADA pool and spa lifts and commercial-grade pool deck equipment. Spectrum has great products, skilled employees, knowledgeable engineers, and an excellent customer service and sales staff. Spectrum Aquatics strives to consistently exceed expectations and to be

the total solution provider for our customers. From inquiry to installation, Spectrum Aquatics is here for our customers and the Aquatics community.

Ad Index Aquatic Access......................................14 Aquatic Design Group..........................15 Aquatix by Landscape Structures..... 3 AquaWorx...............................................C3

800.791.8056 www.spectrumaquatics.com

LaMotte....................................................13 Lincoln Aquatics..................................... 5 Rocky Mountain Sunscreen................ 2 Spectrum Aquatics...............................16 Truox, Inc................................................C2 Water Odyssey........................................9 WMS Aquatics...........................................7

16

Parks & Recreation

| A Q U AT I C S G U I D E 2 02 0 | W W W. PA R K S A N D R E C R E AT I O N . O R G

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

AquaWorx

W

hether you’re looking to design an interactive aquatic hub for children of every age or you’re in need of a filtration system for your next commercial swimming pool, AquaWorx has exactly what your project requires. As an industry leader in fiberglass moldings, we pride ourselves on manufacturing durable, safe products that allow you to have all the fun.

What started as a desire to solve the safety issues facing the pool and spa industry has turned into the largest packaged filtration manufacturer for both the recreational and commercial aquatics industries.

Founded in St. Petersburg, Florida, our tropical home has allowed us to expand our inspiration from just filtration systems to state-of-the-art water features, waterslides and water playsets. Our mastering of hydraulic design and manufacturing has led to successful aquatic landscaping projects nationwide for the past 12 years. With projects ranging from restoring hurricane disaster in Puerto Rico to designing and creating brand-new YMCA aquatic recreational facilities, AquaWorx has become a household name among the top-skilled architects and design professionals.

Thinking of designing an entirely

brand-new aquatic landscape, but don’t want to deal with the hassle of contracting several different companies for different needs? AquaWorx is your answer! From concept to finish, we work with customers every step of the way and provide all the necessary elements for your dream aqua oasis! Feel free to contact us directly or visit our website to find out more about why AquaWorx is the best choice for you.

aquaworxusa.com 888.426.8511

W W W. PA R K S A N D R E C R E AT I O N . O R G | A Q U AT I C S G U I D E 2 02 0 |

Parks & Recreation

17

Aquatic Facility Operator Certification

THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE OPERATORS CERTIFICATION

MAKE A SPLASH

BY BECOMING A CERTIFIED AFO

Responsible operators understand the entire pool system. The AFO Certification will prepare your staff to run all types of aquatic facilities safely, efficiently and confidently.

SIGN UP FOR A COURSE NEAR YOU nrpa.org/AFO